Asmita Dey Makes History as First Indian Judoka to Win Gold at Commonwealth Games 2026

Historic Achievement at Commonwealth Games 2026

Indian judoka Asmita Dey achieved a remarkable milestone in the women's 48kg category during the Commonwealth Games 2026 held in Glasgow, Scotland, on July 31. She became the first judoka from India to secure a gold medal at these prestigious games.

In a gripping final, Asmita triumphed over Canada's Heidi Quach, showcasing her resilience by battling through a Golden Score period to clinch victory. She reached the final after a strategic semifinal win against Summer Shaw, demonstrating exceptional composure and tactical skill.

India's Medal Tally at the Games

With Asmita's gold, India added its fourth gold medal to the overall tally, following the successes of weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, para-100m runner Dilip Gavit, and para-shot putter Sharmila Dhankar. This achievement marked a significant start for the Indian team at the multi-sport event.

Who Is Asmita Dey?

Prior to Asmita's groundbreaking win, India had secured 11 medals at the Commonwealth Games, including 6 bronze and 5 silver, but had never celebrated a champion in judo. The 23-year-old's victory has now etched her name in the annals of Indian sports history.

Hailing from a modest family in the Belonia district of South Tripura, Asmita's father worked as a bicycle mechanic. Despite financial challenges, she pursued her passion for sports. Initially an athlete in the 800-meter category, her coach recognized her potential in judo, leading her to join the Tripura Sports School in 2015.

Her journey to success began with impressive performances in the National and Khelo India School Games, which earned her a spot at the Sports Authority of India in Bhopal in 2018. Asmita gained national attention in 2019 by winning a silver medal at the Commonwealth Judo Championships, followed by a bronze at the 2023 Asian Junior Championships.

Recent Achievements

In 2024, Asmita continued to shine at the senior level, securing a bronze medal at the Asian Open Taipei and another at the Commonwealth Judo Championships. Her crowning achievement came with a gold medal at the 2025 Casablanca African Open in Morocco, marking a significant advancement in her international career. Her debut at the Commonwealth Games culminated in her historic gold medal win in the women's 48kg category.

Dedication to Her Late Father

Asmita's gold medal win was particularly poignant as she dedicated it to her late father, who had been a steadfast supporter of her athletic journey despite their financial struggles. In a heartfelt statement to reporters, she expressed her gratitude towards her coach and seniors while remembering her father, who passed away in December 2025.

Reflecting on her personal loss, Asmita shared, "I thought everything was over after my father's passing. However, I managed to excel in the national trials and qualify for both the Commonwealth and Asian Games."

She added, "This medal is significant for me, my state, and my country. I dedicate it to my coach and my father, who always believed in me."

A Historic Day for Indian Judo

Following Asmita Dey's gold medal in the women's 48kg category, Harsh Singh also secured gold in the men's 60kg event, marking a historic day for Indian judo at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.